A DETECTIVE who has excelled at catching crooks who target vulnerable people has been highly commended by an international policing body.

Cleveland Detective Constable Rachel Graham of the Fraud Investigation Team received the accolade from the International Association of Women Police (IAWP).

Det Con Graham has almost 28 years’ service as a police officer, spending five years as a uniformed constable, seven as a Child Protection Team Detective and 15 years in her current team within the Fraud team of the Economic Crime Unit (ECU).

During this time she has been instrumental in bringing criminals to justice across a series of complex cases.

These include a four year investigation which began in 2014 involving a vulnerable disabled woman who had won £1m in the National Lottery but was defrauded of a large sum of money by five people.

Det Con Graham's meticulous work helped ensure they received a total of 15 years’ imprisonment and Judge Simon Bourne-Arton awarded her a Judge's Commendation which are only given in exceptional circumstances.

In a personal letter to Det Con Graham, IAWP Annual Recognition Program Chair Annita Clarke said while there could only be one recipient of the award each year, Rachel’s application so impressed the panel that it was felt she should be formally recognized.

Ms Clarke added that: “The calibre of applications from across the globe was extremely high this year, so to be highly commended is a great achievement.

“This letter serves as a recognition for your dedication and service to the communities you serve.”

Det Con Graham said: “It was a lovely surprise to receive this recognition, but I must also credit the team I work with, our analysts and intelligence officers as well as colleagues from outside agencies providing crucial evidence, not forgetting the guidance and endeavours of the Crown Prosecution Service lawyers and barristers.

"By working together, the combined efforts of us all enabled us to get justice for the victims and their families.”

ECU Sergeant Andy King, who nominated Rachel, said he fully agreed with the IAWP’s comments about her work, adding: “For Rachel, the victims’ needs are always close to her heart and she always makes sure robust support mechanisms are in place for these often vulnerable people."